A former Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Solomon Saanu-Bonu, says there is a need to further exploit the tourism potential of Badagry.
Saanu-Bonu, also All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Badagry 1 state constituency in the 2023 general elections, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday.
He said that the coastal town had many ancient ecumenical relics that could be put to use to attract pilgrims.
This, according to him, would further drive development to the area, apart from engaging more youth.
He said that Badagry was notable for its historical significance to Christianity and modern civilization in Nigeria.
According to him, Badagry hosts the first church in Nigeria, meaning that the gospel was first preached in the town to bring people to God.
“The first Christmas party was held in the town. There are houses that served as vicarages to the early missionaries, tents of various architectural designs from the countries of the missionaries scattered all over the town.
“Those structures and other cultural activities of the place can be highlighted to attract pilgrims that will see the area as a place of sin atonement, solemn worship and meditation.
“As a people, we like visitors; many of our traditional festivals can be used to entertain the pilgrims during their stay,” he said.
The tourism expert appealed to churches to identify with the place by acquiring and developing the historical relics as places of worship and communion with God to attract pilgrims.
He said that efforts were being made to bring in private developers to build low cost hostels and guest house in the area that could house such pilgrims.
Saanu-Bonu said that one of his cardinal programs, if elected, was to deepen tourism in the place to gainfully engage youth.
